Some comments on the comments:
1. I Don't always agree with Bedard, but I love to hear what he has to say because he does the hard work, so at least I know his OPINION is coming from a place of relative knowledge. I say relative knowledge because its still important to remember he doesn't have access to everyone's responsibilities on each play, nor does he have the line calls or post snap reads, like the staff would. HOWEVER relative to the rest of world who are making judgements on the execution on the field, Bedard is can't miss radio (even though Mazz makes it almost impossible to make it through the segment). And if you can't get the segment this thread is equally a can't miss read.
2. Re: Thompkins release: I think his release was less about any problems he was having on the field or off it, than it was more about a roster necessity of adding another LB, combined with a game plan (2 TE's) that made WR's less of a need this particular week. Plus add to that the potential of adding a bigger and more athletic WR in Tyms who might have been viewed as having just as much long term potential, simply made Tompkins the most likely cut......for that week. I take Bill at his word that, had he made it through waivers he would have been resigned either to the PS or eventually (given injuries) the 53.
I think Thomkins isn't a "difference making" WR, but I do believe he can have a solid career at the position. But I also believe there are a lot of guys who can give the Pats what he had to offer.
3. I think this talk about a "pop gun" offense is just BS. Brady has plenty of weapons. He has TWO plus RB's. He has the best TE target in the league, especially in the redzone. (And Wright gives him a legit second TE target) He has a proven 1000 yd WR in Edelman who shows signs of being much more than just another white slot receiver, and a couple of big wide outs in Dobson and LaFell. One who is a proven vet and another who is a good young prospect.
Believe me, if you think about it, Brady has gotten a LOT of wins with a lot less. The key of course is whether we see the OL we saw vs Cinci, or the OL you saw against KC. IF this OL can eventually get to some sort of successful consistency, then we will start to see a LOT of 30+ point games out of this offense. I mean, didn't the Pats have the 2nd or 3rd best scoring offense LAST season, despite the injury, WR, and sack woes?!!. If the OL comes together I think this O can be better than last season.
4. As to whether Tom retires as a Patriot, Bedard is completely on point. In 2017 it WILL become a legitimate issue, but until then, any attempt at trying to make this a current issue is being done by mediots merely to annoy us.